Shiva Baby

It’s pretty much a given, at any large gathering of extended family, whether in reality or in the cinema, that there will be both drama and tension. As like as not, there will also be comedy, though those present may not themselves appreciate it until some time has passed. This is certainly the case at a shiva, where it is generally considered obligatory to at least try and keep a straight face, even though it is often at events of that nature that the absurdities of life become most glaringly apparent.

Proving that her impressive turn in 2020’s Tahara, was no fluke, Rachel Sennott is on fine form here as Danielle, a somewhat dissolute young arts student whose failure to demonstrate any driving ambition thus far in her life means she’s a constant disappointment to her mother. When she does experience passions, they’re usually not of the approved sort. Her ex-girlfriend Maya (Molly Gordon of Booksmart fame) is also going to be at the shiva, so her mother has asked her not just to keep a straight face but to do her best to appear straight all over. As far as she’s concerned, all that nonsense is behind them now and Danielle can find a nice young man (she has several in mind) and settle down.

Danielle has found a man of sorts. She’s paying her way through college – and keeping herself decked out in pretty jewellery – partly with the aid of a sugar daddy, Max (Danny Deferrari). His presence at the shiva was definitely not something she had prepared for, but there he is, together with his beautiful and accomplished shiksa wife (Dianna Agron), who lacks both the cultural sensitivity and the acuity to consider that bringing along a crying baby might not be a good idea. Whilst Danielle is still trying to figure out how to navigate this awkward situation, he mother introduces her to Max, revealing aspects of her identity which she never wanted to share with him, and her cousin also says hello, revealing aspects of identity which she borrowed to make herself seems more exciting.

Bisexuality and sex work may be fairly recent themes in this sort of film, yet the dynamics at play are instantly recognisable in what is a quintessential New York Jewish comedy. Sennott perfectly captures the combination of vulnerability, irritability and wit necessary to make it work. Her character is dependent on audience sympathy yet never passive. Emma Seligman’s script keeps the story moving at an energetic pace and whilst there are elements of farce, these never get to the point of making it feel unnatural or disrupting the emotional balance of the performances. Even those characters built firmly on comedy stereotypes are ably played and feel warm and human.

Though this may be familiar territory, Seligman really knows what she’s doing and quickly makes viewers feel involved, even complicit. Shiva Baby is a little gem of a film and one of the best independent comedies of 2021.